Relieving symptoms of lactose intolerance?

Is there any hope of relieving the symptoms of lactose intolerance once they begin? Last night I had to cut short a trip out with another couple because my symptoms were so severe. The pain was so bad I became nauseous, light-headed, weak, and nearly passed out! I couldn't pass the gas and ended up going to bed at 7 p.m. because I was so sick. I always carry lactase with me, but in the excitement of going out, I forgot to take it before I ate the restaurant's mashed potatoes (one of my biggest offenders). FYI-I've experienced lactose intolerance since I was about 12, but didn't know that is what is was until my mid-20's. I have a high percentage of Native American blood. I'm now 41 and resigned to living with this the rest of my life. Any suggestions in case I have this problem again in the future?

HEY! I have the same thing. You have to just cut out dairy...it really stinks but it's the only way. You can not eat the stuff you are allergic to. My daughter has the same thing. The more you eat it the more your body will reject it, maybe resulting in some serious issues. So you need to find the source....there is diseases that cause some of this...like Celiac disease...Relief can come to you...try a gluten free diet then try some more dairy cutting out that. Gluten is a wheat allergy...this may be the "real" problem not dairy! Good luck to you.

I would just remember to take the latase. Also avoid the foods that are "biggest offenders" when going out with friends etc.

I'm sure you can eat some dairy. Like I can have cheese, yougurt, cottage cheese etc, but milk and ice cream NO WAY!

My brother got some Lactaid. He said if he took it before he ate anything dairy or drank milk, that it really seemed to help.

I started getting the symptoms of lactose intolerance when I was 22. It is now to the point where I cannot tolerate anything with milk products (whey) in it. I read all labels. I used to use the pills but they have become ineffective. Mike said that you could probably have yogurt, some cheeses, etc. Please test a small amount before you go full force. I had a certified dietician tell me that she had never met a lactose intolerant person that couldn't have yogurt because apparently the bacteria in yogurt kills the lactase. NOT TRUE! Or at least not for me. I cannot tolerate it and it made me very sick. So Mike, I wouldn't suggest telling people with allergies what they can and cannot eat. I would say if in doubt, don't eat it!! It's not worth it! Good luck, I know it's a pain--especially going out to eat. I live on Lactaid milk and Nucoa margarine when I cook.